Memento Mary 2: War and Peace, 2026

Description

Cermamics Western Cape 2026 Exhibiton SOLD The Skull Madonna represents the contrast of The ultimate life giver (Madonna figure - PEACE) versus the death and destruction represented by the skulls (WAR). The title plays on “Memento Mori” - the inevitabilitiy of mortality, so emphasizing the fragility of life and the ultimate goal of Goodness overcoming Evil, healing overcoming despair. The ultimate mother (earth) figure holds a peace dove nurturingly, protectively in her arms, she has a red heart (LOVE, HARMONY) on her chest, while below on her robe, rumbles the destruction of war (desolation, death, blood.) Her delicate veil, a symbol of the fragility of it all - but the ulitmate victory of the veil of peace and harmony falling gently and protectively over the destruction of war. The areas of the little sculpture representing peace are glazed with gold lustre, while the war areas are left unglazed. On the back I included a sketch of my brainstorm that lead to this building of this image.